Nelson Smith

James Nelson Smith, 93, was called home on June 16, 2025.  He passed peacefully at his home surrounded by his family.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Stoney Fork Baptist Church in Mount Gilead, officiated by Rev. Dwight Mabry and Rev. Robert Kaynor. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Born on August 23, 1931 in Pee Dee, North Carolina to the late Joseph and Virginia Allen Smith, Nelson was raised with a strong sense of responsibility that shaped his life. He spent much of his career as a carpenter, where his skill and work ethic earned him the respect of coworkers and friends. He was an expert sheetrock finisher and co-owner of Piedmont Drywall. Nelson was also a jack-of-all-trades and there was nothing he couldn’t fix.

Outside of work, Nelson found joy in his family and gardening. He transformed every available patch of earth into a bounty of food, which he shared with his family, neighbors, and friends. Nelson was a long-time member of Stoney Fork Baptist Church, and he earned a special place in the hearts of those in his community. Those who knew him will remember his wealth of knowledge, generous spirit, tenacity, and strength. He was a tremendous role model for his family, and his legacy of hard work and dedication will never be forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Beauton "Boots" Smith; daughter, Kathy Morris; son, Joey Smith; son-in-law, Randy Morris; and brothers, Jerry and Charles Smith.

Nelson is survived by four children: Diane Smith of Mount Gilead, Tony Smith (Jennifer) of Mount Gilead, Debbie Herman (Thomas) of Newton, and Darlene Russell (Anthony) of Troy; sister, Suetta Kaynor (Robert) of Durham; sister-in-law, Virginia Smith of Lumberton; eight grandchildren, Todd Smith (Pam), Heather Jones (John), Lori Beth Robbins (Aaron), JR Russell (Lisa), Jarred Smith (Kim), Emily Lloyd (Derek), Glenn Herman (Lexis) and Jessica Hatley (Ashton); 14 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, June 18, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Bumgarner Family Funeral Service in Troy.

Memorials may be made to Stoney Fork Baptist Church, 175 Stoney Fork Church Rd., Mount Gilead, NC 27306.

Bumgarner Family Funeral Service is serving the Smith family.

Stoney Fork Baptist Church
175 Stoney Fork Church Rd., Mt. Gilead NC 27306